This cooking class made me fall in love with tagine all over again

When Moroccan cuisine becomes a true sensory adventure

I say it often to my visitors: to understand Marrakech, you have to go through its cuisine. Not just taste it, no — make it. And since I discovered the Cours de Cuisine Marocaine au Musée des Arts Culinaires, it has consistently been the experience I place at the top of my recommendations. For couples, families, groups of friends… for everyone, really.

The setting is established from the moment you walk in: we're right in the heart of the Médina of Marrakech, just a stone's throw from the Palais Bahia. The atmosphere works its magic straight away. And even before you touch the first ingredient, the welcome begins with a tea ceremony, accompanied by Moroccan pastries. The tone is set: here, we take our time.

The visit to the Musée des Saveurs — an unexpected appetite opener

What I hadn't anticipated on my first visit was the richness of the guided tour of the Musée des Saveurs that precedes the class. You discover the history of Moroccan gastronomy, its influences, its rituals, its codes. It's an introduction that gives meaning to everything that follows. When you understand where the spices you're about to use come from, when you know why the tagine has that distinctive shape, you cook differently.

And speaking of spices — the aromatic herbs and Moroccan spices discovery workshop is a moment all on its own. I love watching the participants' faces light up when they close their eyes and identify the cumin, the ras el hanout, the orange blossom…

The Dada: the heart of the experience

She is what makes all the difference. A Dada — a traditional Moroccan female chef — leads the class from start to finish. This is not a distant demonstration from behind a worktop: it's a real transmission, gesture by gesture, with patience and generosity. These women are the guardians of a precious know-how, and watching them share their secrets with such warmth is genuinely moving.

Each participant works at their own ultramodern cooking station, with fresh, authentic ingredients sourced from the local markets. You don't just watch — you do. And that changes everything.

The bread workshop: my favourite moment

If I had to choose one single moment from this class, it would be the traditional Moroccan bread-making workshop. I'm not sure why, but kneading bread dough in a Médina kitchen, surrounded by the scent of spices, with a Dada guiding your every hand movement… it's one of those experiences that stays with you. Several of my visitors have told me they thought about it long after they returned home.

And the best part? The ingredients come directly from the local markets. You can taste the difference, I promise.

The tasting and the souvenir tagine

The class ends with what everyone has been waiting for: a convivial tasting of the dishes prepared. You eat what you've cooked, gathered around the same table, in an atmosphere that feels just like a family meal. It's warm, generous, and quintessentially Moroccan.

And to keep the memory alive at home: a souvenir tagine is given to each participant. A real one, not a trinket — the kind you bring home proudly in your suitcase and show off proudly to your friends.

What you need to know before booking

The class is available every day, at 10am, 1pm or 4pm — three time slots to fit around your schedule. The activity is open from age 5, provided the child is accompanied by an adult participating in the class; a museum attendant is there to assist them throughout the session.

Booking is made with a deposit of €10 per person, and the balance of €48 (480 MAD) is paid directly on site, by card or in cash. Cancellation is free up to 5 days before the class. Transport is not included, but is available on request for an additional charge.

Please note that outside food and drinks are not permitted — but between the tea ceremony, the water or soft drink included during the class, and the final tasting, you won't be missing a thing, I promise.

My verdict

If you're looking for an experience that goes beyond classic tourism, that truly connects you to Marrakech and its people — book this class. You'll leave with recipes, a tagine, and something harder to put into words: the feeling of having touched something real.